Japan Archives - Desperate Living

The incredibly strange movies and even stranger musical recordings of Japan’s original Bad Girl.

The director of Onibaba and Kuroneko explores a bleak tale of isolation and quiet despair.

The retro-futurism of Expo 70 and the wholesome pop music of General Franco’s Spain come together.

The mysterious, unexplored world of the strange and wonderful chika idol scene.

The birth of an independent Japanese record label featuring underground idol acts and experimental hip-hop artists.

Celebrating the Monkey Magic of the classic martial arts fantasy TV series.

A wall of relentless, atom-bomb driven nuclear blasting metal.

A joyous celebration of avoiding conventionality and embracing your inner kitsch.

The controversial and experimental films of the Japanese provocateur.

Explicit sex and romantic intensity in Aryan Kaganof’s experimental drama.

The French artist’s challenging and unsettling medical art photography.

Exploring Britain’s first festival of Japanese heavy metal.